Use of parenteral medroxyprogesterone preparations (i.e., Depo-Provera® Contraceptive, depo-subQ provera 104®, or medroxyprogesterone acetate contraceptive injection) may result in loss of bone mineral density (BMD). Bone loss is greater with increasing duration of therapy and may not be completely reversible.

Not known whether use of these parenteral preparations in young women (e.g., during adolescence, early adulthood) will reduce peak bone mass and increase risk of osteoporotic fractures later in life. Loss of BMD is of particular concern during adolescence and early adulthood, a critical period of bone accretion.

Use parenteral medroxyprogesterone for long-term contraception (e.g., >2 years) only if other contraceptive methods are inadequate.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

frequently drink alcohol

asthma

blood vessel disease or a history of a blood clot in the lungs or legs

bone disease such as osteoporosis

breast cancer

diabetes

eating disorder (anorexia nervosa or bulimia)

high blood pressure

HIV infection or AIDS

kidney disease

liver disease

mental depression

migraine

seizures (convulsions)

stroke

tobacco smoker

vaginal bleeding

an unusual or allergic reaction to medroxyprogesterone, other hormones, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Depo-Provera Contraceptive injection is given into a muscle. Depo-subQ Provera 104 injection is given under the skin. These injections are given by a health care professional. You must not be pregnant before getting an injection. The injection is usually given during the first 5 days after the start of a menstrual period or 6 weeks after delivery of a baby.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. These injections have been used in female children who have started having menstrual periods.

What if I miss a dose?

Try not to miss a dose. You must get an injection once every 3 months to maintain birth control. If you cannot keep an appointment, call and reschedule it. If you wait longer than 13 weeks between Depo-Provera contraceptive injections or longer than 14 weeks between Depo-subQ Provera 104 injections, you could get pregnant. Use another method for birth control if you miss your appointment. You may also need a pregnancy test before receiving another injection.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

This drug does not protect you against HIV infection (AIDS) or other sexually transmitted diseases.

Use of this product may cause you to lose calcium from your bones. Loss of calcium may cause weak bones (osteoporosis). Only use this product for more than 2 years if other forms of birth control are not right for you. The longer you use this product for birth control the more likely you will be at risk for weak bones. Ask your health care professional how you can keep strong bones.

You may have a change in bleeding pattern or irregular periods. Many females stop having periods while taking this drug.

If you have received your injections on time, your chance of being pregnant is very low. If you think you may be pregnant, see your health care professional as soon as possible.

Tell your health care professional if you want to get pregnant within the next year. The effect of this medicine may last a long time after you get your last injection.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

breast tenderness or discharge

breathing problems

changes in vision

depression

feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

fever

pain in the abdomen, chest, groin, or leg

problems with balance, talking, walking

unusually weak or tired

yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

acne

fluid retention and swelling

headache

irregular periods, spotting, or absent periods

temporary pain, itching, or skin reaction at site where injected

weight gain

Where should I keep my medicine?

This does not apply. The injection will be given to you by a health care professional.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children,
never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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